5 Open Cockpit Rec Kayaks Compared PART 2 On Water Comparison

On water comparison of the Old Town Loon, Old Town Sorrento, Liquidlogic Saluda, Wilderness Systems Pungo, Eddyline Sandpiper.
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[@wingmanhoy3999]

As a newbie in this sport, I very much appreciate your professionalism and opinions on all boats tested, really great job on reviews, very enjoyable, all the very best, Happy Holidays.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad you like them!

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

The Eddyline and the Liquidlogic are just simply beautiful boats.

[@stevenhewett5038]

I know as a heavier paddler, the Loon 126 has done well by me and stood up well to wind and waves on Grand Traverse Bay.

[@davidschultz2097]

6’2” 250, the Loon 126 is the perfect and most comfortable kayak for us bigger guys. I’m completely comfortable for a 10 hr day paddling. It’s not as fast as others but if you are looking for comfortable day touring the Loon rocks.

[@Joe-xq1nt]

I’ve heard you mention weights before and needing to actually weigh them. Please do! A short video of many of the actual weights verses advertised weight. Eddylines , wilderness systems, old town etc. Let’s see who’s being upfront and who’s wishing or guessing.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ll try and get that going

[@supporterofsanity]

Definitely! Weight is important to me as I get older and I like to know how much weight I am putting on my vehicle roof.

[@tedgaddy7398]

Your review is spot on, I have one as my creek drop in to get through deeper polls, I hated the seat like you, I changed it to a low lawn chair style brooklin kayak seat, wow how great it is now, I also use a Jackson thermarest lumbar support . It’s light and works great for what I use it for , much to my surprise it paddles great, and tracks great too. And your correct it’s built great, my main kayak is a Jackson coosa HD, but for throughing in the truck in the Afternoon and hitting the water for short fishing is great, and I’m 64 yo…

[@BobBohner4851]

Please please please get the loon120 and append this video. It’s just not fair to compare a 10’ to a 12’ and you have the loon such a positive review I need to know how the loon 120 stacks up. Thanks for reading my comment. Super great content!!!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Noted!

[@robertuffman3041]

we love our Jackson Trippers. we kayak small rivers mostly and a few small lakes. lexington, KY

[@steveprinty5674]

I ordered a Sandpiper 130 two years ago without testing one. I love it. I get a LOT of compliments at Lodi Lake about how good it looks, (red over silver).

[@HeadwatersKayak]

The Silver hull is beautiful. Stoked you’re enjoying it.

[@ChristopherErringtonPhoto]

I own 2 loons. 126 for me and 106 for my better half or a friend. I fish out of it occasionally but mostly use it for wildlife photography. I couldn’t be happier with it. I set up a tripod in it and I have zero concern about it tipping.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Very helpful. Thanks for the feedback

[@Kryogenikz15]

Thanks for all you do! Because of your videos, I ended up getting the Liquidlogic Saluda 12 last fall. I was debating between it and the Pungo, and after watching your video on the Saluda 12, I went to check one out at my local shop and there's just something about the shape and the performance of the Saluda that drew me to it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Good choice! Glad the video helped.

[@jefff7287]

Great overall reviews and perspective. I had the Loon 120 and loved the boat. The one point to note I think in addition to what was mentioned is that its construction is 3-layer poly vs the others, which is why it is gray on the inside. Supposedly there is a foam middle layer which adds to the buoyancy.

[@groovymoon]

@jeff7287, How's the vertical clearance for your feet. I have a 2017ish Pungo 120 and size 12 feet. They are a little cramped vertically.

[@jefff7287]

@@groovymoon I don't have the Loon anymore, but from what I recall it was good foot clearance (I wear a similar size)

[@DeepBarney]

I think it'd be interesting to see the 12' Sorento and Loon compared with others. Personally the Eddyline doesn't feel like it has a place in the comparison due to its extra length. A Sky 10 seems like the more apt comparison. Comparing the Sandpiper with the 12' versions of the other boats would be a more useful comparison. Granted I realize a lot of this is dictated by what you can get your hands on. Either way I appreciate the time and effort you put into this video. Thanks for the info.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Exactly. In a perfect would I’d have just matching boats, but it’s been a struggle to get the boats I need to make these videos possible. Thanks for watching

[@Patriotic327]

Same here after the Dagger line. My 2nd choice would those 2 OTs. Dang that camo color angler really grabs my attention.

[@troysnow3978]

Thank you! This is a great video! I’m really leaning towards a Pungo when I upgrade.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Good choice!

[@groovymoon]

GR8 video. I have a 2016-17 Pungo 120. I'd love an Eddyline but the rivers we run can be shallow in spots and we bounce off the bottom a lot.

[@tomiam79]

I have tried many kayaks and I have been wanting a more comfortable one. May have to try the Old Town Loon.

[@skatermanxl195]

Love my Loon 120 for recreational. So comfy for a whole day of being out. Extremely stable, you have to try to flip it if you want to. Sweet removable cockpit dashboard that is mostly waterproof. High weight capacity and great legroom for taller, larger folks or carrying gear. You're right tho, with extreme wind it is hard to keep straight and paddle against. Give me an Old Town seat in an Eddyline sit in and ill spend anything.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Agreed with that! Their seat is top notch!

[@stanleyheath5486]

I love your video comparisons, the one thing I think you might remember when you talk about comfort and fit is that you're a big guy. It would be interesting if you sometimes had a smaller person get in and paddle to give feedback. I imagine women make up a good portion of your audience and probably purchase a good percentage of the kayaks you test. Keep up the great content.

[@ianpeterman5162]

Great comparison review. Would love to see an apples to apples on water review of the Pungo 125 and the Loon 126!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Me too!

[@rickspann9352]

Great review as always. I have watched your channel for several years and you have helped me purchase my kayaks and paddles...thanks. I am a Wilderness Pungo and Aquabound paddle fan and have several kayaks and paddles. You mention weight. I wish you would do a review on kayak and paddles advertised weights. My Pungo feels heavier then other 49lb kayaks. I have been lucky to find 2 thermoformed Pungo kayaks ( 2011 and 2015 ) which weigh in at 39lbs, a big difference. Unfortunately, Wilderness Systems does not make them any more. But weight is important especially at my age (mid 70's). Also the paddles, the advertised weight is always 2 to 5 ozs heavier than manufactures claim. A review of actual weight would be great. Thanks again for producing great videos

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching! I think an actual weight video would do very well.

[@grantricketts4257]

Really enjoy your content finally decided to subscribe. Picked up the Big Fish 105 about 6 months ago really fits my needs well and am looking forward to getting out again this year once it warms up. Thanks for the great videos!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the sub!

[@SteveHarrellRally]

Any chance we could see more skeg boats? I'm primarily a river guy so skeg boats are my ideal since they provide both tracking and agility.

[@allonsy9808]

Don't get me wrong, I'm really impressed with everything I've learned about Eddyline as I've been researching for a new kayak. But...daaaang Eddyline, not ever a water bottle holder? LOL Great review! Thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Haha. I give them that feedback all the time.

[@swimrski]

Like comparing a bunch of steel frame bikes to a carbon fiber frame bike. If you're just going to be riding around the neighborhood with your family, the steel bikes will be absolutely fine. That said: My girlfriend has been enjoying kayaking for a couple of years. This past summer I finally went with her in one of her two 9' cheapest you can buy boats. I immediately felt how fun it could be, but it sure wasn't. Talk about working hard to go nowhere on a zig zag path. After watching a TON of your videos, I came away knowing at least one thing - yes, you can stay afloat on a 9' boat and propel yourself forward, but a longer boat was going to be a lot more fun, and if nothing nothing else, this better be fun. Your review videos were instrumental in me having some understanding about what I was looking at, so thank you. I did wind up buying a used Tsunami 125, which is a blast for a beginner like me. After she paddled around in it (and said wow and oh my) I gave it to my girlfriend and bought an old fiberglass 15' Cape Horn which is both alarmingly tippy and comparatively fast, and we've had way more fun on the water this way If over the next year or so this becomes more than a sometimes activity, we probably will look into the Eddyline boats. Let's face it, they also look real nice 😄.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome to hear. A good kayak makes the sport so much more fun!

[@Medawgoner]

The Pungos now come in a 105, 120 and 125. WS phased out the 140 ~ 3 years ago , when they upgraded the line. The P140 was the Cadillac of rec. kayaks. Shame it was discontinued. The P140s now fetch a premium on the used market.

[@alpintourer]

I love my 140!

[@thomasjordan5533]

Wilderness systems doesn’t even show the Pungo 105 on their website anymore. Just 120 and 125 are available now. 😢

[@Medawgoner]

Not Surprising. Pelican bought out Confluence Water Sports about 18 months ago. Confluence was the parent company to Wilderness, Perception and Dagger. Pelican also did away with the sale of spare parts. No replacements, if something breaks, No telling what will get slashed next. Most likely quality will suffer, in the name of profit. @@thomasjordan5533

[@toymastertoyman]

Thank you learned alot just watching your channel. Question for you whats gonna be better Pungo or the dagger axis. Thanks

[@tommywallbanger]

I have a Loon 138 and a Pungo 120. The Pungo is great. I've had it 13 years. Only problem are the seats break and good luck finding parts. When you search for parts they say "discontinued." Not back ordered just plain old discontinued which means they don't don't make it anymore but they do make them to sell to Wilderness Systems for their "new boats." I've called the company directly and they push you off the phone and tell you to contact a local distributor like they would have the parts. My problem is the seat pan which the one piece plastic molded seat bottom which is shaped like a U and bolts into the side rails. It forms the bottom of the seat. It's very thin where the seat back fits into it, it's very thin and this is where I've seen them break. I also had a break in the plastic on the side where the straps to aDJUST THE SEAT TILT GO THROUGH THE SEAT PAN AND i ALSO HAD (oops) a crack in the back of the seat pan where the 2 little holes are to attach bungee hooks that prevent the seat from falling forward. Hey, it's plastic. It should have been made thicker. Other than than a great kayak. I had to get crafty with sheet metal and a riveter to fix mine. I wasn't paying $1200 for a new one. The Loon is great. I rented a lot of Loons before buying my own used one. The seat is a little harder than the Pungo and not adjustable but it's still pretty comfy and you definitely don't have to worry about it breaking. It's robust. The Loon handles just about as good as the Pungo but it's longer so doesn't turn as quick but that's to be expected. The Loon is a heavy boat though. My buddies call it The Titanic when they help me carry it.

[@rodbrown8306]

The Eddyline foredeck is brilliant probably a flare in the bow would be a further improvement, just sets them apart imo. I have a similar type boat but poly, called a Mission 3.90 mt Catch made in New Zealand. For 220lb guy you look balanced in this boat not tail low as with some. The first boat the Old Town was also well balanced and a safe boat for beginners.

[@JonnyFlash80]

I'd love to see you review the Loon 120. For my 2nd kayak purchase it's between this, or the Pungo 120, or the Dagger Axis 120 right now. Surprisingly the Loon is about $150 CAD more than the Axis or the Pungo at my local outfitter.

[@TXGirl6]

Great video, have you ever reviewed the WS Tsunami 125 or larger?

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Great review Sir. I have an old town otter at 9'6" long, and I love it for tidal inlets and creeks exploration. My partner has an otter too and we love to do the inshore saltwater thing. I really fancy a Sandpiper too though, probably at 130 long, but I have no idea if anyone distributes them in the UK. Kind regards.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I can try to find out. I’m sure Eddyline has a UK distributor.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

@@HeadwatersKayak Oh, that would be great, thankyou so much Sir.

[@The66Leadfoot]

Please review the Loon 120 and the Loon 126. The Loon 120 is 1" narrower and has a 2" lower deck than both the Loon 106 and 126.

[@angelmartinez-lz1ic]

There are no loons near me but there are a few vapor 12’. Does anybody know how they compare?

[@shrimpu]

Thanks for the vid. We are trying to decide betw Loon and the Pungo... I just saw a review that said the Loon is VERY unstable in wind. Can you give any feedback on that aspect

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Unstable? No that’s bad info. I will say wide stable boats get pushed around and are hard to paddle in the wind. Longer narrow touring kayaks do much better in the wind. If you’re looking for something in between check out the Eddyline Sandpiper. Great in the wind.

[@shrimpu]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks. So I guess even a stable boat, if it is wide can get pushed around in wind. Perhaps that’s what that review was trying to convey? What exactly is the difference between unstable and “stable but gets pushed around”? I think the Loon 120 is more on the wide side …?

[@Александр-э1л6э]

Hello! I know you didn't have a Point65 KingFisher. Is it suitable for fishing in the sea or better PELICAN SENTINEL 100XP ANGLER?

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Very helpful, much obliged.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You're welcome!

[@waynobots]

I bought a Sandpiper 130 with slight damage from Idaho Water Sports for $800. Wish it had the Pungo dashboard.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Level Six has a nice nylon dash coming out this year.

[@groovymoon]

No more Pungo 140's since 2018. To Bad I want one bad and they are $$$ on the used market. Own a Pungo 120 and paddled a Loon 126. The Loon is more stable, stiffer, less playful, and SLOWER. Waves over the bow is my one big complaint of the Pungo. I wouldn't trade my Pungo for a Loon. But, if I had bought a Loon first I probably would love it anyway. I SO want an Eddyline Sitka XT of Sandpiper 130.

[@countywaterskayaking]

I've got 2x pungo 125s, 2x pungo 140s, and 2x 120 loons. Definitely prefer the pungos.

[@curtismiller591]

I've been going back to fourth for a month on the Pungo 125 or the Loon 126. Any advice to which one I should go with; I tend to like to kayak on calm lakes and currently using a Sound 120 XE. I mainly just like to get out on the water and exercise while kayaking but i do enjoy speed. Thanks so much for any input anyone can give.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I would say buy whatever is available at your local shop. They’re both great

[@RJB]

As someone who owns the Loon I wish they would have molded in slots toward the front of the cockpit to rest the paddle in.

[@joeymoon4390]

I’m a big fan of eddyline. There great boats that look amazing. I would like to see your thoughts and review on water of the Sitka LT. I was debating on that or the equinox. Haven’t seen many lt reviews online with video. You give the best reviews so it makes it easier to narrow down choices

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I believe I have one. A comparison to the Equinox would be good. I like the LT way more. It’s almost as stable and so much more capable. I actually took my ACA Level 3 exam in a Sitka Lt years ago.

[@Joe-xq1nt]

It’s like most things. Want more pay more. The Sitka costs hundreds more so one would assume it would offer more.

[@paddy_cakes]

Great review!

[@mikkelherskind8290]

Did you try the longer version of the Loon yet? I’m considering buying it, but I’m not entirely certain😉

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No video on it, but I’ve paddled it and it’s sweet. You will not be disappointed

[@mikkelherskind8290]

Thanks mate! Cheers from Denmark ;)

[@Levi-xg1fz]

I just picked up a used Pelican Intrepid Angular in amazing condition. First kayak. Have you come across this model at all? Thoughts?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have not but Pelican sells the same Kayak under 50 different names to every box store in the country. It’s probably the same hull as most others

[@sidilicious11]

I have the Pelican Intrepid with two holes for fishing poles, so maybe it’s the same boat. It’s my first kayak and I like it so far.

[@Levi-xg1fz]

@@sidilicious11 just took out for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was great. My only gripe is the plastic rivets holding the knee protectors on. On a down stoke with the paddle, my pinky finger nail caught one of those and just about pulled my nail off. Going to have to find a way to cover those up.

[@sidilicious11]

@@Levi-xg1fz ouch! I’ll check mine to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’ve used mine about 20 times on a couple lake excursions, on some slews with minor current, some rivers, and even have gone through some rapids big enough to get my adrenaline going, but probably only class 1.

[@waynobots]

Wish the Sandpiper had a metal rail to attach a gopro mount. Like the pungo pod has.

[@johnmartin2597]

I have a Sandpiper 130 and I’d like,e to see someone do a self-rescue with it. I haven’t found the solution yet. A heel hook is complicated by the fact the seat back does not fold down flat and out of the way. Thinking of 😢…..

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s a harder boat to rescue in. Really takes assistance if your in open water. With that said it’s also tougher to tip over.

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Excellent!!

[@griffshark]

Do you have access to Current Design kayaks out there? I'm in MN and CD is the main line that my outfitter carries. I would like to know how you compare them to the Pungo and Eddyline.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I don’t have many nice things to say about the Solera by CD. It tracks terrible and the seat is not built to last. I had them for a year in my outfitter fleet and they were so Squirrley.

[@girlinvt]

My best friend had a Current Design its a nice boat. The model she had was a bit heavier and had a skeg. I had just purchased my Eddyline Sandpiper. I start Kayaking at ice out, so the Sandpiper can be cold, her Current design was much warmer. I just tossed a towel down. It depends on what you like and how you kayak. The Eddylines are Cadillacs, light weight and built to last if cared for. Mine is close to 20 yrs old and still looks great. Ive had it on Lake Champlain in 3 to 4 foot waves its a stable boat and had no issues. My friend bought an Eddyline Skylark a month after I bought mine and sold her CD. She kayaked until she was 78 in that Skylark

[@glyn829]

Good review thanks 👍

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching!

[@HipOperation99]

How do you film the paddling shots? Also, can you compare each kayak to a car? Would the Pungo be a Honda Accord?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes with leather seats and a butt warmer.

[@steveprinty5674]

@@HeadwatersKayak I also would like to see how you film these videos. But, maybe you don’t want to give the competition any secrets. Well, I don’t think you even have any competition. ☺️

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@steveprinty5674 haha it's no secret. Seth is using a Sony hand held camera and a pedal drive. He has a steady hand and a keen eye for quality.

[@ajpend]

If we’re calling each of these an “open cockpit” kayak, what are we calling a LiteTackle or a CK1 Venture? Genuinely curious what the language would be.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sit on tops kayaks.

[@ajpend]

@@HeadwatersKayak I appreciate it.

[@waynobots]

Pungo has a sunskirt also

[@darlenesnow304]

Have you reviewed the Aspire 105?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No

[@Nightshift12482]

Would you say that the Dagger Axis is the top of the crossover boats?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

For a Rec kayak that can do some solid class two it’s the best.

[@Nightshift12482]

@@HeadwatersKayak I'm torn between the Axis and the Liquidlogic remix xp10. Lots of creek, ponds and the Niagara River to put in up here in WNY. I want to relegate my Pelican Trailblazer to flatwater buddyboat duty. I was thinking about the Old Town Sorrento, but after this review, I don't think it would be a good fit for me.

[@jtaylor7572]

So how would a sea skirt work for these? Or is that not an option?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It would be hard to put on, but would keep your legs dry. They also make lap skirts to keep paddle splash off.

[@peterbedford2610]

Someday, I'm gonna break down and buy an eddyline.

[@flushot6513]

I know you can take on lot of water with it more cutting through I had my 105 on lake not that big but wind is always blowing so waves were pretty rough and Hitting from side and coming into cockpit lol but was fun surprised that didn't flip me loved it skip winter and go back to water

[@mikeschrader6052]

How does the Bonafide EX123 compare?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Higher stability, slower speed more build towards fishing. It is a very comfortable craft to be in all day. Just not super efficient.

[@BigE1986]

So I have a wilderness systems pungo 125 and my friend has a loon 120 in my and others experience the wilderness systems tracks better than the loon

[@AhhBigWilly]

Lionel Messi!! World cup hero!

[@LJ-jq8og]

💪❤🙏